SEMO INAUGURATION BRINGS WELL-DESERVED FOCUS TO UNIVERSITY

In a week crammed with activities surrounding the inauguration of Southeast Missouri State University's 16th president, today is the focal point. At 2 p.m., Dr. Dale Nitzschke be the center of attention in the academic pomp and circumstance that attends such events. Maya Angelou, perhaps one of the most notable women in America today, will be the keynote speaker. As special events go, today should be remembered for a long time.

The weeklong inauguration schedule has been ambitious, to say the least. As outlined Wednesday on this page by James V. Biundo, assistant to SEMO's president and chairman of the committee that planned this festive week, the university expects to increase its visibility -- not just in the community, but throughout the state, region and nation.

It takes a leap of faith to pull off such an event-filled week with the underlying mandate to make it happen without dipping into the university's operating funds. Generous donors, both individuals and corporations, have seen the potential of this week, both as an educational experience and as a shrewd marketing maneuver.

In short, the inauguration week has been both an opportunity to celebrate the university and its new president and an inspiration for a variety of activities that concentrate the best of higher education into a brief and focused time span.

This week may be an indication of what is in store for next year when the university celebrates its 125th anniversary. Jim Biundo again will be chairing the committee for that celebration. Gov. Mel Carnahan and Don Dickerson, president of the university's Board of Regents, are honorary co-chairmen.

While this week of inauguration events celebrates far more than the arrival of a new president, it is appropriate to extend hearty best wishes to Dale Nitzschke as he endeavors to build on the many strengths of the university. This institution, under Nitzschke's leadership, has a bright future and much to contribute to the overall educational well-being of our area.

Congratulations to the new president and to all who worked so diligently to make this a historic week for Southeast Missouri State University.